Gerald Pilgrim
Carrollton,GA
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia Building Authority (GBA)
Atlanta, GA
01.2019 - Current
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of GBA, managing 5,000,000 sq.ft. of office space and 6,500 parking spaces, while planning and implementing capital improvements on Capitol Hill. Works directly with the Georgia Department of Public Safety on security improvements and increased safety measures. Developed policies and procedures to keep Capitol Hill accessible for state employees and citizens during COVID-19, ensuring a safe and clean environment. Decreased annual budgeted operating expenses through increased efficiencies and resource sharing, while enhancing services and facility operations. Led efforts for the revitalization of Capitol Hill and secured over $700,000,000 of investment from the State for these projects.
- Directed Georgia Building Authority operations across facilities, property, and administrative functions.
- Coordinated capital projects, maintenance priorities, and space planning for state buildings.
- Advised executive leadership on budgets, policies, and strategic agency decisions.
Chief of Staff
Georgia State Finance & Investment Commission (GSFIC)/State Properties Commission (SPC)
Atlanta, GA
01.2019 - Current
- Directed administrative and operational functions as the State Property Officer. Ensured all divisions complied with directives to provide efficient and effective service to state agencies. Increased participation in bid/selection process for bond-funded construction projects, resulting in growth from approximately $1,500,000,000 in 2019 to over $6,000,000,000 in managed projects by GSIFIC by 2026. These efforts led to a more diverse vendor participation and more regional distribution work. The SPC is now better utilizing its authority to work with agencies to look for opportunities to share space and reduce cost. These efforts have led to lower operating costs to agencies and freed rental funds to help increase services or lower expenses. In addition, SPC is looking to eliminate non-core or surplus state properties and allow those properties to be better utilized by local governments, other agencies or private investors. Streamlined operations through shared services approach among GBA, GSIFIC & SPC, reducing operating costs and enhancing resource leverage to improve service delivery for the State of Georgia. Served as key point of contact for Legislature and Executive Branch regarding all large capital projects.
- Advised GSFIC and State Properties Commission leadership on strategic priorities and initiatives.
- Managed cross-agency communications with state officials, partners, and internal teams.
- Coordinated executive meetings, agendas, and briefing materials for commission leadership.
Operations Director
Carroll County Board of Commissioners
Carrollton, GA
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Directed county operations for Carroll County Board of Commissioners.
- Supervised finance, facility management, maintenance, purchasing, IT, records management, risk management, and non-judicial court operations/programming to ensure efficient operations. Oversaw SPLOST and capital improvement/construction projects to deliver timely and effective project outcomes. Collaborated with county departments, municipalities, and agencies to optimize resource use and enhance inter-agency relationships.
- Coordinated department budgets, procurement, and contract administration.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, fleet services, and office support functions.
Court Administrator/SPLOST Coordinator
Carroll County Board of Commissioners
Carrollton, GA
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Supervised non-Judicial court operations, programming, records, and facility management to ensure efficient workflow. Worked directly with State and Superior Courts on operating budgets and programs (Drug Court and Mediation). Managed capital improvement and construction projects for the county, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Oversaw planning and implementation of projects, managing $12,500,000 in annual SPLOST expenditures while controlling project costs through effective oversight.
Account Executive/Agent
Carroll Realty & Insurance
Carrollton, GA
01.2001 - 01.2011
- Advised clients on insurance, acted as surety agent, managed risk exposure. Specialized in insurance solutions for commercial construction, healthcare providers, municipalities. Evaluated clients' needs, identified and recommended tailored solutions for risk management. Generated and managed over $4,000,000 in annual premium.
- Oversaw client accounts for real estate and insurance services for Carroll Realty & Insurance real estate and policy services
- Prepared insurance quotes, renewals, and coverage updates for property clients
- Facilitated communication among agents, carriers, and customers for efficient service between agents, carriers, and customers
Mayor
City of Carrollton
Carrollton, GA
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Presided over a $20,000,000 budget and oversaw the largest investment in capital projects in the history of the city. Increased cash reserves and reduced property taxes, enhancing fiscal stability. Drove economic development initiatives that positioned the city as a leader in private investments and job creation in 2003. Achieved designations as City of Excellence and City of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association, reflecting commitment to quality governance.
- Led council meetings and public hearings in City of Carrollton.
- Directed policy discussions and legislative priorities in Carrollton.
- Acted on behalf of Carrollton during meetings with county, regional, and state officials.
Funeral Director
Martin & Hightower
Carrollton, GA
01.1992 - 01.2001
- Oversaw daily operations of multiple location funeral home to ensure seamless service delivery. Facilitated communication with church, community, and civic organizations to strengthen local partnerships. Established first grief support group in West Georgia to provide essential support for bereaved families.
- Guided Martin & Hightower families through funeral arrangements and service choices.
- Ensured dignified removals, transfers, and care of decedents to honor their memory and support grieving families.
- Prepared death certificates, permits, and cremation paperwork for families.
District Aide/Field Representative
U.S. House of Representatives
Marietta, GA
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Coordinated communication between Congressman George (Buddy) Darden and local, state, and federal government agencies to ensure alignment on key initiatives.
- Managed constituent correspondence for House office inquiries and casework.
- Prepared briefing materials for hearings, meetings, and legislative sessions.
- Tracked legislation, votes, and committee updates for congressional staff.
Education
Degree - Funeral Service Management
Gupton-Jones College
Decatur, GA01-1993
Political Science
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA01-1991
Skills
- Capital planning
- Budget administration
- Strategic planning
- Policy development
- Facility operations
- Space management
- Regulatory compliance
- Public administration
- Executive leadership
- Organizational leadership
- Team leadership
- Crisis management
- Decision making
- Conflict resolution
- Process optimization
- Board relations
Activities
- Carrollton Housing Authority- Past Board Member- Interim Executive Director- Started the Neighborhood Stabilization Program by securing over $2,000,000 in grant funds used to encourage homeownership in blighted residential areas. Modernized the financial systems to allow better access and reports to the Board for an annual budget of over $8,000,000.
- International Leadership Institute Past CFO/Board Member A non-profit leadership training organization that teaches Christian ministers throughout the world. Oversaw a budget of $2,500,000. Established guidelines and reviews to insure funds were being used in their designated areas.
- Carrollton First United Methodist Church Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees - Staff/Parish Committee - Responsible for all of the facilities and personnel issues.
- Carroll Tomorrow Founding Board Member County's economic development organization. Active in securing over $200,000,000 in investments in Carrollton and Carroll County.
- Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Past Board Member and Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee
- ADAY for West Georgia Past Chairman Annual fund drive for the University of West Georgia.
- West Georgia Habitat for Humanity Past Board Member
- Boy Scouts of America Past Regional President and Member of the Atlanta Area Council
- Lions Club Past Secretary
- Carrollton City Schools Foundation Past Board Member
- Chatt-Flint Regional Development Commission Past Board Member
- Georgia Municipal Association Past Board Member
- Ducks Unlimited Past Chairman
Timeline
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia Building Authority (GBA)
01.2019 - Current
Chief of Staff
Georgia State Finance & Investment Commission (GSFIC)/State Properties Commission (SPC)
01.2019 - Current
Operations Director
Carroll County Board of Commissioners
01.2015 - 01.2019
Court Administrator/SPLOST Coordinator
Carroll County Board of Commissioners
01.2011 - 01.2015
Account Executive/Agent
Carroll Realty & Insurance
01.2001 - 01.2011
Mayor
City of Carrollton
01.2000 - 01.2003
Funeral Director
Martin & Hightower
01.1992 - 01.2001
District Aide/Field Representative
U.S. House of Representatives
01.1990 - 01.1992
Degree - Funeral Service Management
Gupton-Jones College
Political Science
Kennesaw State University